Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4038, Alexander Gillis, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
New York.
Gillis, Alexander
PP. 4038
CONTENTS

State of New York } Washington County }
On this 16 th day of September A.D. 1833 personally appeared before me one of the Judges of the Court of Washington County Common Pleas in and for Said County Alexander Gillis a resident of the town of Argyle in the County of Washington and State of New York aged Seventy nine years on the Seventeenth day of December last past who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named Officers and Served as herein stated That when he lived in the town of Argyle County of Washington and State of New York and in the Month of June A.D. 1777 The committee of Safety who had been appointed by the inhabitants of the town of Argyle aforesaid called on him this declarant to know whether he would accept of a Commission to command a Company of rangers So called at the time he accordingly volunteered and accepted. They thereupon gave him a written Commission Signed by the Said Committee and he was sent out with his company as a Scouting party and he went through the woods on to the frontiers to make discoveries of the State and condition of the enemy and make reports to the Said Committee on the nearest Military posts. That he was on his way at Whitehall then Skeneateles Lake George and during this campaign was to Several places that he was continued in the Service until in the Month of December when he reported himself and Company to the Said Committee of Safety and they permitted him to retire during the Winter Season he further saith he Served and performed his duty faithfully Six months as Captain of Said Company
C. No.
This declarant further saith that his company at first consisted of Sixteen and no other Officers that at the time of Bennington battle he was on the out posts and also at the Battle of Still water he with his company was in the woods as a Guard Guard and a Scout and was not imbedded with any other Troops
This declarant further saith that while he lived in Argyle aforesaid and in Month of May he thinks in A.D. 1778 he was called onto the Service under his Said commission and took the command of a

5 Mo
company and was sent out as above and he marched through the woods and down Lake Champlain to Bullwaggers bay below Chimney and Crown Point and shifted from one place to another encamping in the woods during the night time and was continued in this campaign until in the Month of October when he reported himself and men to the said Committee who discharged him for the winter season and he & men retired. That he served and performed the duties of a Captain five Months at least
This deponent further saith that there were no others with him but his Company and that the committee of Safety who gave him his commission were John Williams - Alexander Webster - Mr. Todd - Mr. Saylor and James Bratton who have since departed this life - That he kept his said commission until the close of the war and long since he has lost it
6 Mo.
That while he lived in Struggle aforesaid and he thinks in the Month of April A. D. 1749 he again volunteered and entered the service having again the Command of a Company of men - That previously according to the best of his recollection Gov. Chittenden of the State of Vermont sent him a Commission to take the command of a Company of Rangers solely for the purpose of patrolling and scouting in the woods and he accordingly took the command and marched his Men through the woods to Lester Pond in Vermont and scouted about and around said Pond and also on & about St. Peters Creek and Lake Champlain on the Vermont side encamping in the woods through the nights and he was continued in said service until in the Month of October when he was ordered to retire for winter quarters That he served as a Captain during this campaign Six Months
This deponent saith that in some years the Indians and Tories left and returned to Canada except those who lived in these parts as soon as October and some years he remained longer and when they retired his services were not so much needed his main business was to protect the inhabitants and more particularly if he discovered a party of the enemy coming into the Interior to report the same which he was careful to perform and did so frequently and often as it happened his reports were to the Nearest Military post by sending some of his men &c
That while he lived in Struggle aforesaid and in the Month of

May A.D. 1980 he again volunteered under his said Commission being called upon by the Authority of Government and collected a Company or Party and marched through in the woods to Lake George Lake Champlain and as heretofore stated and was also sent to several other places sometimes by the Officer commanding at Fort Edward and at Fort George thinks Col Warren Commanded the Forts and he was continued in the Service in this campaign until in November and was discharged for and during the winter that he served as a Captain
6 M th
This declarant further says he sometimes drew his rations once a part of the time they lived on game they found in the woods taken care to take horse knickers with them that his services were very important to the safety of the inhabitants and to the success of our arms as the Country was new and a good part of the people were Tories
That while he lived in Struggle of service and in the Month of May A.D. 1981 he was called out and he volunteered under his said Commission and took the command of a company and went through the wood to Cambridge and from Fort Edward East North - West and South in several places does not remember the exact number of times that he continued with his company in the Service until in October when he was again discharged by the Commanding Officer of the Fort at Fort Edward
5 M th
This declarant says he was generally out having no Col or other Officer but under the Officer commanding military Dept was sent to keep a look out
That when he lived in Struggle of service and in the Month of June A.D. 1982 he again was called upon and he volunteered and entered the Service under his Commission and took the command of a Company or party and marched to his several places of destination as directed by Officer Commanding at Fort Edward as heretofore described and was continued in his command with his company until in November when his services were not needed and he was discharged that he served in this Campaign Six Months as a Captain commanding a Company
6 M th
This declarant further says he was bound to the Service as a

a Company of men under the orders of Government that he does not know as one of the men under him is now living that he frequently in New York State troops and other troops once stationed and had very frequently reported the officers commanding both Col's and Gen's but he by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory cannot remember their names - and further the Captain's Commission he received from the Gov of Vermont he has lost - that he did believe his Commission was among his old papers but by searching carefully it cannot be found that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his Service except Mary Gilbert, Borne St. Durgah Alexander McKee, Nathan Durdin whose affidavits are herunto annexed & that he cannot from bodily infirmity attend any court of Record without materially injuring his health He hereby states relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State -
 1 st That he was born in the town of Catskill then called County of Orange now Rockland State of New York in the year of 1753 in December  2 That there is no Record of his age to his knowledge  3 That when he was called into the Service he lived in the town of Argyle that since the revolutionary war he has lived in the town of Argyle where he now lives and has lived for more than 67 years  4 That he volunteered into the Service when he was called upon  5 That the names of Regular Officers other than he has stated he cannot remember neither can he recollect the names of Continentals or Militia Reg'ts that he cannot give a more general circumstances of his Service than is in the body of his declaration  6 That he never received a written discharge - That he received a Captain's Commission from the Committee of Safety for the said town signed by John Williams - Alexander Webster - Treadwell - Taylor and James Beaty - also he received a Captain's Commission signed by Gov. Chittenden of the State of Vermont - and that he has lost it and does not know where it is Must be destroyed  7 That he is known in his present neighborhood to Ransom Hites, George Haines, Joseph Rose, Samuel Hubbard, James Trafton and many others who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his Services as a Soldier of the Revolution  Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me John Mott a Judge of
Alexander Gillis

Washington County Courts
We George Mairs a Clergyman residing in the town of Struble and Joseph Rouse residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Alexander Gillis who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy nine years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that Opinion
Sworn and Subscribed } the day and year aforesaid }
George Mairs Joseph Rouse
Before me John Mott a Judge of Washington County Courts }
And I the Said Judge of Washington County Common Pleas do hereby declare my Opinion after the investigation of the Matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier and served as he states And I the Said Judge further certify that George Mairs who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Struble and that Joseph Rouse who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit - And I the Said Judge further certify that the applicant Alexander Gillis cannot from bodily infirmity attend the Court or any Court of record
John Mott a Judge of Washington County Common Pleas
I Jesse S. Leigh clerk of the Court of Washington County Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the Said Judge in the Matter of the application of Alexander Gillis for a pension Also certify that John Mott before whom the preceding declaration and the affidavits of Hovey Gilchrist, Lewis H. Bangs, Alexander H. Hovey & Alexander Hovey annexed purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Judges of Washington County Common Pleas in and for Said county and that I am acquainted with his handwriting and justly believe his name subscribed to said declaration and affidavits to be his proper handwriting and signature Given my hand and Seal of Office this 16 th day of September 1833
J. S. Leigh Clk

I Certify that I have been acquainted with Alexander Gillis, within named, for more than thirty six years, for twenty years of the time the said Gillis held the first offices of the town in which he resided was universally esteemed and respected by the Citizens of the same, as an honorable intelligent & high minded man of pure moral character sound integrity & the strictest morality.
Stephen Whallon U.S.C.
April 18 th 1834
Joseph Gillis
Notary Public

State of New York Washington County ss
Nancy Gilchrist being duly sworn according to Law deposeth and saith that she is a Sister of Alexander Gillis who has made a declaration hereto annexed for a pension and that she lived with him in her father's family A.D. 1777 and before in the town of Argyle in the said County and she further saith that she well remembers he left home to go into the Service particularly his putting up provisions for that purpose and his taking his leave of the family - and from her knowledge and the best of her recollection he was out and gone from home in the Revolutionary war the principal part of the time in each year from 1777 to the close of the war particularly in the Spring, Summer and Fall. She cannot remember the period or the length of each Service recalls his being gone to the State of Vermont and to the Lakes etc. She remembers the above facts more on the account of the fears and apprehension entertained by the Family while he was out on Service that he might never return Made her Mark and Sworn before me this 3 rd day of September 1833 I also certify that her character for truth and veracity is Good
her Nancy X Gilchrist Mark
John Moss a Judge of Washington County Courts
I certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Nancy Gilchrist for more than thirty years that she has always sustained a good character for truth & veracity
April 18 th 1834
(Herbert Whallon U.S.B.)

20 100 In the Matter of Alexander Gellis - Revolutionary Soldier Declaration for a Pension
Har P Whellan

State of New York } Washington County } ss
Daniel Mc Dougall of Stuyvesant County and State of New York aged Sixty Seven years being duly Sworn according to Law deponeth and saith he was well acquainted with Alexander Gillis A.D. 1777 and before and well remembers he went out in the Service of the Revolutionary War that he was gone from home in the Spring Summer and Fall of every year from A.D. 1777 during the Revolution and one time in particular he had a brother who was out in the Service with him and he remembers he was taken Sick and died in the Service he also recollects well it was said and represented that he Alexander Gillis who has made a declaration for a pension hereto annexed had the command of the company of Ringers during the war. That he always understood from those who were in the Service with him he was the Commandant of the Company of Ringers - and was out at all times when the Indians and Tories were in those parts from Canada That he recollects of seeing him Alexander out with his company having the command thereof at several different times during the Revolutionary War and has seen them march away also of hearing the lamentation and weeping of the women thinking and fearing he would not ever return home alive would be killed by the enemy - and further this deponent saith on his Sworn and made his mark Daniel X Mc Dougall before me this 16 th day of September Mark
1833. I also certify that I am acquainted with him and that he is a man whose character is good for truth and veracity
John Mott a Judge of Washington County Common Pleas
I certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Daniel Mc Dougall for more than thirty years that he has always been considered a man of strict veracity and that full faith & credit are to be given to his testimony at all times
April 18 th 1834
Deborah Whallon N.B.

State of New York } Washington County }
Alexander McNeal of the town of Argyle  Argyle County and State of said aged Eighty years being duly according to law sworn, deposed and saith he was well acquainted with Alexander Gillis before the Revolutionary War and has been ever since that in the year of our Lord 1776 he was appointed as this deponent believes by the town Commit- tee to take the command of a Company of Rangers and at D. 1777 he this deponent went out under him as the commissary  commissary for a short time and returned home and left him with his Company in the Service that he this deponent belonged to the Militia and was not out with him but from information he was out in the Service with a company of Rangers and was the Commandant of the said company every year during the Revolutionary War except in the winter of each year after A.D 1777 and further this deponent saith not Mack his mark and was sworn
before me this 16 th day of September 1833 Alexander McNeal his mark
John Mose Judge of Washington County Courts
I Certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Alexander McNeal for thirty six years and that he is a highly respectable and worthy man possessing an unimpeach- able character for truth & veracity.
(Dwight Whallon)
April 18 th 1804
State of New

State of New York Washington County } ss
Nathan Durkee of Fort Edward County and State aforesaid being duly sworn according to law deposes and saith he was well acquainted with Alexander Gillis whose declaration is hereto annexed from before the Revolutionary War and ever since that during the Revolutionary War he frequently heard that he Alexander Gillis was out in the Service with a company of Rangers and he this deponent saw men in the town of the said War who informed this deponent they had been in the Service with him as that he sustains and has always sustained a character good for truth and veracity and that it is believed in his neighborhood he was a Soldier of the Revolution and never has heard it doubted and further this deponent saith not
Nathan Durkee
Subscribed and sworn before me this 16 th day of September 1833
I also certify that Nathan Durkee is a man of truth and veracity
John Moss a Judge of Washington County Court
I certify that I am acquainted with the above named Nathan Durkee and know him to be a man of unblemished character for truth and veracity
April 18 th 1834 Henry Matherdale M c
I certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Nathan Durkee for more than thirty years and do not hesitate to say that for moral character integrity & veracity Major Durkee stands second to no man in my town
Benon Whallon No C
April 18 th 1834

4038, cin
P. O. _____
Alex Gillis
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Alex r Gillis N. York. act 1832
Susp d . - a very doubtful case -

New York Revo.
Alexander Gillis Suspended for John Chap. 19 Nov 1833
See letter S. F. to Hon. R. Whipple R.R. to Alex. Gillis Aug. 20 35 to Hon. A. Whipple 22 Nov 1834 rep. to S. of M. Aug. 17 35 Act of June 32 Lib. to Hon. D. Russell 9. April '36
See lett. to Hon. W. K. Bond e Apr. 15. 1836.

Alexander Gillis
York N.Y.
See No. Rev. A.M. 249. " Bill No 1120 3 d Sep. 25 th 1832.
(Copies of these wanted.)
1832

Alexander Gillis. act June 7. 1832
New York - claim Suspended
Mr. Baldwin
Refused Com - L. M. C.

ALEXANDER GILLIS.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 1120.]
FEBRUARY 6, 1839.
Mr. BOND, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following
REPORT:
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to which was referred the petition of Alexander Gillis, report:
The committee find a favorable report on file in this case; but the bill not having been acted on, they have re-examined the petition and evidence, and now adopt the former report, and submit a bill accordingly.
JUNE 23, 1836.
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to which was referred the petition of Alexander Gillis, report:
The petitioner, Alexander Gillis, of the town of Argyle, county of Washington and State of New York, sets forth in his petition, which is verified by his own affidavit, and duly authenticated in the usual form, that he was seventy-nine years old on the 17th day of December, 1833, and served in the army of the United States during the revolutionary war. That in June, 1777, he resided in the town of Argyle before mentioned, and was commissioned to command a company of rangers by the committee of safety of said town. That he received a written commission from the said committee of safety. That he took charge of his company, and continued out during the whole campaign in the service of the United States, until the month of December, when he reported himself and company to the committee of safety, and was permitted to retire during the winter. That he faithfully served, at this time, six months. That at the battle of Bennington petitioner was on the outposts, as well as at the battle of Stillwater, with his company, as a scouting party. In the month of May, 1778, he was again called into service, under the said commission, and took the command of his company. That he was ordered and marched down lake Champlain, and shifted from one place to another, as the service required, until the month of October in the same year, when he again reported himself and company to the said committee of safety, and was again discharged for the winter season. That he served, at this time, at least five months.
Thomas Allen, print.

The petitioner further states, that the names of the committee of public safety who signed the commission held by him were, John Williams, Alexander Webster, Mr. Todden, Mr. Taylor, and James Beatty, who are all dead; and his commission, which he kept until some time after the close of the war, he has since lost.
That in April, 1779, he again entered the service with his company of rangers, under a commission from Governor Chittenden, of the State of Vermont, and was out upon the scout in the vicinity of lake Champlain until the month of October of the same year. The amount of service performed at this time was six months.
The petitioner again, in 1780, entered the service, having been called upon by the authority of the Government, under his said commission, and marched through the woods to lake George and lake Champlain, and was sent to several other places by the commanding officers at Forts Edward and George. He thinks Colonel Warren commanded at this time. That he continued in such service until November in the same year, when he was again discharged. That he served at this time six months.
That in 1781 he was again called out, and served in the same capacity as before stated, five months.
That in 1782 he was again called out, and served under his commission as aforesaid, six months.
The proof of the petitioner's service is fully detailed in the affidavits of Nancy Gilchrist, Daniel McDougal, Alexander McNeal, Nathan Durkee, Simon Moss, Lydia Durkee, and Solomon Emmons.
The committee, under all the circumstances, are satisfied that the petitioner is entitled to a pension, but do not think that the character of the proof is sufficient to warrant them in recommending a full pension to him as captain, in which capacity he claims to have served. The proof, however, in the opinion of the committee, entitles him to a full pension as a private; and they have reported a bill for this purpose.

MS. Alexr. Gillis -
Clap
Hon. R. Whalen H.R.

War Department Pension Office March 22, 1834
Sir,
In the case of Gillis, I have to state to you that I have carefully examined the claim, and I can discover no reason for reversing the decision. Willing, however, to afford him every advantage to which he is entitled, I can only say that if it could be clearly shown by the testimony of any intelligent respectable citizen who possessed an intimate knowledge of the military history of the revolution on the frontier where the claimant resided, that there was ever such a body of military troops recognized as Indian Spies, and that from the evidence in Gillis's case, it was manifest that he served as such and was recognized as a Captain of Spies, the principal difficulties in the case will most probably be removed. I would advise you to obtain the testimony of Gov. Galusha of Vermont, as he in all probability has a more perfect acquaintance with matters of this description than any man now living on the borders of Lake Champlain. The papers are herewith enclosed. I have the honor to be
Hon. R. Whalen House of Representatives
Very respectfully Your Ob t Servant. J. L. Edwards

Simon Mott Mar 26 N.Y.
J. L. Edwards Esq. D.C.
H. D. Russell J.R.

House of Reps. D. C. March 26 th 1836.
J. L. Edwards Esq r
Del r
Yours with transmitted
to you certain documents relating to an applica- tion for a pension by Mr Simon Mox. The letter of the Hon. Nathaniel Pitcher late Gov r . of the State of New York, also lately a Member of this House I presume will be satisfactory to establish the facts of which it treats.
Please inform me of the result of your examination
I am Respectfully
D. Russell
Have the goodness to send me all the papers connected with, and forming the application of Alex o Gillis for a pension I wish them to lay them before the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions to which the subject has been referred I will return them to you as soon as the Committee shall have done with them.
D. B.
no 28186

Alexander Gillis
Jan y 4 1840
Ref (under resol.) to the Com on Rev d Pensions
Alex r Gillis
NY
March 21 1836
Rev d Pension
June 23 1836 - Bill N o 719
June 23 1836 - Bill N o 719
Dec. 11 1837
Ref d to the Com ee on Rev d Pensions -
Dec. 22 1837
Bill _____ N o 200
Dec. 14 1838
Ref d to Com ee on Rev d Pensions Mr Russell,
Feb y 6 1839
Bill _____ 1120

24 Congress.
1 Session.
Congress of the United States
In the House of Representatives
March 31 1836
On motion of Mr Russell,
Resolved, That the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions be instructed to enquire into the expediency of allowing a pension to Alexander Gillis, of the State of New York, for services rendered during the War of the revolution, as an Indian Spy
Attest
W. L. Franklin
Clerk.

House of Representatives U.S. January 31. 1857
In motion of Mr Andrews Ordered That leave be granted to withdraw from the files of this House the papers in the case of Alexander Gillis for a pension Attest
Richard M Young Clerk

In the Matter
of
Alx r Gillis ex
Soldiers of the Revolution
General Order
In 1778.

State of New York
Poughkeepsie May 20 th 1778
General Orders
It having been represented to me that certain persons, styling themselves the Committee of Safety County have presumed to issue orders to the Militia of the said County charging them with certain services contrary to the laws and Constitution of said State—
Wherefore all Officers of the Militia of the said County are hereby strictly forbid to give obedience to any orders, other than those issued or to be issued by the Persons administering the Government of this State for the time being, or by their Superior Officers agreeable to the laws for regulating the Militia of this State, as they will answer the same at their peril.
The Commanding officers of the several Regiments of Militia in the said County, are hereby informed to cause this order to be published to the officers and privates of their respective Regiments
By his Excellency George Clinton Commander Robert Bensman A.D.C.
A true copy taken from the original now in my hands
Peter Bellingr Col.

In the Matter of Alexander Gilis a Soldier of the Revolution Gen Order's In 1778

I HEREBY CERTIFY, that the accompanying pages numbered from one to thirteen inclusive, are truly copied from the originals on file in the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions.
J. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions.
J. Waldo BE IT REMEMBERED, That James E. Heath , who has signed the foregoing certificate, is Commissioner of Pensions; and that to his attestations full faith and credit are and ought to be given.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of the Department to be affixed, on this thirtieth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty- four
O. W. Holland Secretary of the Interior.

State of New York } Washington County }
On the 16 th day of September A D 1833 personally appeared before me one of the Judges of the Court of Washington County Common Pleas in and for said County Alexander Ellis a resident of the town of Argyle in the County of Washington and State of New York aged seventy nine years on the seventeenth day of December last past who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That when he was in the town of Argyle County of Washington and State of New York and in the month of June A D 1777 The Committee of Safety who had been appointed by the inhabitants of the town of Argyle aforesaid, called on him this declarant to know whether he would accept of a commission to command a Company of rangers as called at the time, he accordingly volunteered, and accepted, they thereupon gave him a written Commission, signed by the said Committee and he was sent out with his Company as a scouting party and he went through the woods on to the frontier to make discoveries of the stores and location of the enemy and make reports to the said Committee on the nearest military posts. That he was on his way at Whitehall then Skeneborough Lake George and during this Commission was to several places that he was continued in the service until in the month of December when he reported himself and Company to the said Committee of Safety and they permitted him to retire during the winter season he further saith he served and performed his duty faithfully by months as Captain of said Company
This declarant further saith that his company

at first Consisted of 16 men and no other Officer. That at the time of Bennington battle he was in the out post and was also at the battle of Still water he with his Company was in the woods as a guard and a Scout and was not embodied with the other Troops
This declarant further saith that while he lived in Aggle of Fredonia and in the month of May he thinks and in A D 1778 he was called into the service under his said Commission and took the command of a Company and was sent out as above and he marched through the woods and down Lake Champlain to Burlington by below Chimney and Crown Point and shifted from one place to another encamping in the woods during the nighttime and was cantonned in this Campaign until in the month of October when he reported himself and men to the said Committee who discharged him for the winter season, and he was now retired. That he served and performed the duties 5 mo of a Captain five months at least
This declarant further saith that there were no other's with him but his Company and that the Committee of Safety who gave him his Commission were John Williams Alexander Webster Mr Todd Mr Taylor and James Beatty who have since departed this life That he kept his said Commission until the close of the war and long since he has lost it.
That while he lived in Aggle of Fredonia and he thinks in the month of April A D 1779 he again volunteered and entered the service having again the Command of a Company of men. That previously according to the best of his recollection Gov Chittenden of the State of Vermont sent him a Commission to take the Command of a company of Rangers solely for the purpose of patrolling and scouting in the woods and he

accordingly took the command and marched his men through the woods to Lynden Ford in Vermont and Scituate Street and crossed said river and a day or two about Sutter Creek and Lake Champlain on the Vermont side encamping in the woods through the nights and he was continued in service until in the month of October when he was ordered to retire for winter quarters. That he served as a Captain during this Campaign six months.
This deponent saith that in some years the Indians and Tories left and returned to Canada except those who lived in these parts, as soon as October, and some years they remained longer, and when they returned his services were not so much needed. His main business was to protect the inhabitants, and more particularly if he discovered a party of the enemy coming into the interior to report the same which he was careful to perform, and did so frequently and often as it happened his reports were to the nearest Military post by sending one of his men &c -
That while he lived in Argyle aforesaid and in the month of May A D 1780 he again volunteered under his said Commission being called upon by the authority of Government and collected a company or party and marched through in the woods to Lake George Lake Champlain as heretofore stated and was also sent to several other places sometimes by the officers commanding at Fort Edmunda and at Fort George. (Trenton) Col Warner Commanded the Forts and he was continued in the service in this Campaign until in November and was discharged for and during the winter. That he served as a Captain Commanding a company six months.
This deponent further says he sometimes there

4 his services and a part of the time they were on a machine they found in the arms taking one to let him have his accounts with them, that his services were very important to the safety of the inhabitants and to the success of our arms as the Country was new and a good part of the people were Tories.
That while he lived in Snuggle Sprouse and in the month of May A D 1781 he was called out and he volunteered under his said Commission and took the Command of a Company and scouted through through the woods to Cambridge and from Fort Ed = unas. East, North, South, and west, in several places does not remember the places or number of times, that he continued with his company in the service until in October when he was again discharged by the Commanding Officer of the Fort at (Fort Edunus). That he served as a Captain in this
5-mo Campaign five months
This declaration says he was genuinely not having as Col or other officers, but under the officers Commanding Military posts was sent to keep a look out
That when he lived in Snuggle Sprouse and in the month of June A D 1782 he again was called upon and he volunteered and entered the service under his Commission and took the Command of a Company or party and moved to his several places of destination as directed by officers Commanding at Fort Edunus as heretofore described and was continued in his Command with his company until in November when his services were not needed and he was discharged. That he served in this Campaign six months as a Captain Commanding
6-mo a Company
This declaration further saith he was found

to the service as a company of rangers under the orders of Government that he does not know as one of the men under him is now living. that he frequently in New York State Troops and other troops as a militia and has a very frequently reported the officers commanding, both Col and Gen's but he by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory cannot remember their names and further the Captain's Commission he received from the Gov of Vermont he has lost That he did believe his commission was among the old papers but searching carefully it cannot be found That he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service except Henry Gilbert, Daniel McTague, Alexander McNeal and Nathan Ducker whose affidavits are herunto annexed and that he cannot from bodily infirmity attend any court of record without materially injuring his health, he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension on account except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
1 st That he was born in the town of Cohasset then called County of Hudson Rensselaer and State of New York in the year of 1753 in December.
2 nd That there is no record of his age to his knowledge.
3 rd That when he was called into the service he lived in the town of the superfluous words were he has lived in the town of Eagle, where he now lives and has lived for more than 67 years.
4 th That he volunteered into the service when he was called upon.
5 th That the names of regular officers other than he has stated he cannot remember neither can he recollect the names of Continental or Militia regulars

that he cannot give a more general circumstances of his services than is on the body of his declaration 6 That he never received a written discharge but that he received a Captain's Commission from the Committee of safety for the Nova Town signed by John Williams, Alexander Webster, Todden, Taylor and James Bedy. also he received a Captain's Commission signed by Gov Chittenden of the State of Vermont, and that he has lost it and does not know where it is, must be destroyed.
7 That he is known in his present neighborhood to Ransom Stiles, Deputy Sheriff Joseph Rouse Samuel Hubbard James Tomaset and many others who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me John Moss a Judge of Washington County Courts. Alexander Lillie
We George Mairs a clergyman residing in the town of Argyle and Joseph Rouse residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Alexander Lillie who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy nine years of age, that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me John Moss a Judge of Washington County Courts. And I the undersigned Judge of Washington County Common Pleas, do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting

7 The interrogatories presented by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, And I the said Judge further certify that George Mairs who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident of the town of Argyle and that Joseph Rouse who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit, And I the said Judge further certify that the applicant Alexander Lillis cannot from bodily infirmity attend the Court or any Court of record.
Signed John Moss. — a Judge of Washington County Common Pleas.
I Jesse S Leigh - Clerk of the Court of Washington County Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Judge in the matters of the application of Alexander Lillis for a pension, I also certify that John Moss before whom the preceding declaration and the affidavits of Hovey Gilchrist, Daniel McDougal, Alexander McNeal, Nathan Dunkle hereto annexed depositions to have been sworn into at the date of the same one of the Judges of Washington County Common Pleas in and for said County and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to said declaration and affidavits to be his proper hand writing and signature — Witness
My hand and seal of office this 16 th day of September 1833
Jesse S Leigh CLP
I certify that I have been acquainted with Alexander Lillis with the name for more than thirty six years, for twenty years of the time the said Lillis held the (over)

offices of the town in which he resided, was universally esteemed and respected by the citizens of the same as an honorable intelligent and high minded man of pure moral character, summa integritas and the strictest veracity.
April 18 th 1834 }
Reuben Waller
He

State of New York Washington County
Nancy Lilliburst being duly sworn according to law deponeth and saith that she is a sister of Alexander Lilliburst who has made a declaration hereto annexed for a pension and that she lived with him in her father's family A.D. 1777 and before in the town of Skaneateles in the said County and she further saith that she well remembers he left home to go into the service, particularly his putting up provisions for that purpose and his taking his leave of the family, and from her remembrance and the best of her recollection he was out and gave from home in the revolutionary war the principal part of the time in each year from 1777 to the close of the war particularly in the Spring, Summer, Fall. She can not remember the period or the length of each service recollects his being gone to the State of Vermont and to the Lakes Co. She remembers the above facts more on the account of the fears and apprehensions entertain- ed by the family while he was out on service, that he might never return.
Sworn to me this 3 rd day of September 1833. Nancy Lilliburst
I also certify that her character for truth and veracity is good — John Moss. a — Judge of Washington County Courts
I certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Nancy Lilliburst for more than thirty years. that she has always sustained a good character for truth and veracity
April 18 th 1834 Nelson Whalen Mr C

State of New York } Washington County }
Daniel Mc Dougall of Saygle County and State of said aged sixty seven years being duly sworn according to law deponeth and saith he was well acquainted with Alexander Lillis A D 1777 and before and well remembers he went out in the service of the revolutionary war that he was gone from home in the spring summer and fall of every year from A D 1777 during the revolution and one time in particular he had a brother who was out in the service with him and he remembers he was taken sick and died in the service he also recollects well it was said and reported that he Alexander Lillis who has made a declaration for a pension hereto annexed had the command of a company of Rangers during the war that he always understood from those who were in the service with him he was the Commandant of the Company of Rangers and was out at all times when the Indians and Tories were in those parts from Canada That he recollects of seeing him Alexander out with his company having command thereof at several different times during the revolutionary war and has seen them march away also of hearing the lamentation and wailing of the women thinking and fearing he would never return him alive would be killed by the enemy and further this deponent saith not
Sworn and made his most his Daniel Mc Dougall before me this 16 th day of September 1833. — I hereby certify that I am acquainted with him and that he is a man whose character is good for truth and veracity. John Nels Judge of Washington County Common Pleas

I certify that I have been acquainted with the above named David Mc Dougall for more than thirty years that he has always been considered a man of strict veracity and that full faith and credit are to be given to his testimony at all times
April 18 th 1834 D r Ruben Whalen M c

State of New York Washington County
Alexander McNeal of the town of Brigham County and State of Ohio aged eighty years being duly sworn according to law deposes and saith he was well acquainted with Alexander Lillis before the revolution- ary war and has been ever since. That in the year of Lord 1776 he was appointed as this deponent believes by the town committee to take the command of a company of Rangers and A.D. 1777 he this deponent went out under him as the commander of a company for a short time and returned home and left him with his company in the service That he this deponent belonged to the militia and was not out with him but from information he was out in the service with a company of Rangers and was the Commandant of the said company every year during the revolutionary war except in the winter of each year after A.D. 1777 and further this deponent saith not made his mark and has known
before me this 16 th day of September Alexander McNeal his mark 1833 - I also certify that Alexander
McNeal is a man whose character for truth and veracity is good. John Moss Deed of Washington County Courts.
I certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Alexander McNeal for thirty six years and that he is a highly respectable and worthy man possessing an unimpeachable and unimpeachable char- acter for truth and veracity.
April 18 th 1834 Deponent  Reuben Whallon McE

State of New York Washington County
Nathan Dunkin of Fort Edward County and State of America being only known according to law aforesaid and South he was well acquainted with Alexander Lillis whose declaration is hereto annexed from before the revolutionary war and ever since that among the revolutionary war he frequently heard that he Alexander Lillis was out in the service with a company of Rangers and he the deponent saw men in the time of the war who informed the deponent they had been in the service with him, that he sustains and has always sustained a character good for truth and veracity and that it is believed in his neighborhood he was a soldier of the revolution and never has been a doubt and further the deponent saith not -
Subscribed and sworn before me this 16 th day of September 1833. I also certify that Nathan Dunkin is a man of truth and veracity. John Moss a Judge
of Washington County Court
I certify that I am acquainted with the above named Nathan Dunkin and I know him to be a man of unblemished character for truth and veracity. April 18 th 1834 Henry Martindale M.C.
I certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Nathan Dunkin for more than thirty years and do not hesitate to say that for moral character integrity & veracity Major Dunkin stands second to no man in his time.
Richard W. Halloran April 18 th 1834

24 Congress 1 Session
Congress of the United States In the House of Representatives
March 21 st 1836
On motion of Mr Russell Resolved, That the committee on Revolutionary Pensions be instructed to enquire into the expediency of allowing a pension to Alexander Gillis of the State of New York, for services ren- dered during the war of the revolution, as an Indian Spy,
Attest, W. T. Franklin. Clerk

Alexander Gellie
Jan 4 1840
1 Ref (under use) to the Committee on Rev. Pensions

State of New York
Poughkeepsie May 20 th 1778
Gen Orders
It having been represented to me that certain persons styling themselves the Committee of Ulster County have presumed to issue orders to the Militia of the said County charging them with certain services contrary to the laws and Constitution of said State. Wherefore all officers of the Militia of the said County are hereby strictly forbid to yield obedience to any orders other than those issued or to be issued by the Persons administering the Government of this State for the time being, or by their Superior officers agreeable to the laws for regulating Militia of this State, as they will answer the same at their peril.
The Commanding officers of the several Regiments of Militia in the said County are hereby informed to cause this order to be published to the officers and privates of their respective Regiments.
By his Excellency's Command George Clinton Robert Benson A.D.C.
A true copy taken from the original now in my hands.
Peter Bellerger. Col

1120
Alex. Gillis

( Rep. No. 249. )
FEBRUARY 6, 1839.
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.
Mr. BOND, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, reported the following bill :
A BILL
Granting a pension to Alexander Gillis.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 3 the Secretary of War be, and he is hereby, directed to place 4 the name of Alexander Gillis, of the county of Washington, 5 in the State of New York, on the list of revolutionary pen- 6 sioners of the United States, at the rate of eighty dollars 7 per annum ; to commence on the fourth day of March, eigh- 8 teen hundred and thirty-one, and to continue during his natu- 9 ral life.